Beneficiaries who rely on the Supplemental Security Income program won’t get a check in September 2024, just like they ordinarily would. This is the case because of a scheduling quirk that is related to the calendar. The reasons for such a change though may help a beneficiary manage his or her finances effectively, and it is done to avoid disadvantaging beneficiaries.
SSI payment schedule explained
As a rule, SSI payments are made on the first day of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, SSA makes the payment on the last business day preceding the first. Because September 1, 2024, falls on a Sunday, the SSA issues those payments one day early on Friday, August 30. Consequently, no SSI payments will be made this year in the actual month of September, and the next payment would fall on October 1.
This is not only happening in the month of September; other months also experience this shift. For example, December 1 will fall on a Sunday, and thus, recipients will get their payments on November 29 in advance. This type of scheduling is done so as to prevent beneficiaries from experiencing delays that may hinder their transaction ability.
Impact on beneficiaries
Many SSI recipients, particularly those who rely heavily on these funds for everyday living, may be quite surprised when there is no payment this coming September. As of July 2024, approximately 7.4 million individuals received SSI benefits, with an average monthly payment of about $696. To many individuals, this income is crucial; it pays for basic needs like food, shelter, and medical supplies.
As a result of this early payment in the month of August, beneficiaries may have to make some adjustments in budgeting for the month. Some may have a chunk of money that needs to be stretched over a longer period, leading to financial strain if not well planned. For this reason, it is required that recipients be aware of such changes in their food assistance schedule and take appropriate financial steps to avoid possible difficulties later in the month.
Other Social Security payments
As noted above, SSI recipients will experience this payment delay; however, it is important to note that other Social Security recipients will not be affected and will receive their benefits as usual this coming September. Regarding Social Security retirement benefits, benefits are paid on the following schedule according to date of birth:
- September 11: If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month
- September 18: Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- September 25: Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st
This staggered schedule ensures that funds will be continuous for retirees and other recipients, even though the calendar shifts SSI payments.
Future changes and considerations
In addition to the payment schedule changes, SSA is enhancing the application process for SSI. The agency plans to introduce, starting in December 2024, an enhanced online application system designed to streamline the first-time applicant experience. This will be part of a broader no-burden rule to make applying to SSI less burdensome and more accessible for deserving individuals.
Beneficiaries should be made to understand that for all intents and purposes, the cost of caution means that they need to be informed about the changes in the payment schedule or even application processes. A routine check on the website of the SSA may keep the recipient in the know and prepared for whatever eventuality may occur.
The primary reason behind not getting the SSI payments in September 2024 is that the first of the month falls on a Sunday, requiring an earlier payment in August. This brings into view the importance of being aware of the Social Security pay dates and to plan one’s finances appropriately. This is why the SSA is in continuous improvement in service delivery, and all beneficiaries must strive to be well updated to move through these changes with ease.
